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Kennel Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

You'll keep the resort running smoothly by managing inventory for food and cleaning supplies and ... Previous experience as a kennel assistant is preferred. A flexible schedule, including some ...

Kennel Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$16

$26

How much do kennel manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for kennel manager in Iowa is $16.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.32 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a kennel manager?

A kennel manager works in a boarding facility for pets that need a place to stay while their owners are temporarily unable to care for them due to travel or other reasons. As a kennel manager, you supervise the day-to-day operations of the boarding facility, which includes overseeing dog training, maintaining supplies and inventory, scheduling activities, and directing staff. Additional responsibilities may involve feeding, medicating, or exercising animals, assisting with medical procedures if the kennel is in a veterinary facility, or cleaning cages.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a kennel manager?

To thrive as a Kennel Manager, you need a solid background in animal care, facility management, and supervisory experience, often supported by a degree or certification in animal science or a related field. Familiarity with animal management software, basic veterinary equipment, and sanitation protocols is typically required. Strong organizational skills, leadership, and effective communication are essential soft skills for managing staff and ensuring animal welfare. These competencies are crucial for maintaining a safe, efficient, and compassionate environment for both animals and employees.

What are common challenges faced by kennel managers when supervising staff and ensuring animal welfare?

Kennel Managers often encounter challenges balancing staff scheduling, training new team members, and maintaining high standards of animal care. Ensuring all employees follow proper cleaning, feeding, and safety protocols can be demanding, especially during busy seasons or staff shortages. Additionally, Kennel Managers must address behavioral or health issues with animals, requiring strong communication skills and adaptability. Successful managers create a supportive team environment and prioritize ongoing staff education to overcome these challenges.

What is the difference between Kennel Manager vs Kennel Technician?

AspectKennel ManagerKennel Technician
CertificationsAnimal care certifications, management trainingAnimal care certifications, pet first aid
Work EnvironmentSupervisory role, overseeing staff and operationsHands-on animal care, cleaning, feeding
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal shelters, kennels, pet boarding facilitiesAnimal shelters, veterinary clinics, kennels
Common Search & ComparisonManagement responsibilities, staff oversightAnimal handling, daily care tasks

The main difference between a Kennel Manager and a Kennel Technician lies in their responsibilities. The Kennel Manager oversees operations, staff, and ensures the facility runs smoothly, often requiring management certifications. The Kennel Technician focuses on direct animal care, feeding, cleaning, and assisting veterinarians or staff. Both roles are essential in animal care facilities, but they differ in scope and level of responsibility.

What are the most commonly searched types of Kennel jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Kennel jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Kennel Manager jobs in Iowa?

For Kennel Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Kennel Manager jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Kennel Manager jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Kennel Manager jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Kennel Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Kennel Manager job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, and 36% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,519 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

General Information
Ref #
53916
Department
Kennel
Job Site
Boone Veterinary Hospital
Date Published
08-17-2026
Pay Class
Full-Time
Base Min.
$ 15
Base Max.
$ 17
Location Address
2507 Eastgate Dr., Boone, IA 50036
Job Description
At Mission Pet Health, we do things a little differently! As part of our hiring process, we invite candidates to complete a short online assessment so we can better understand your skills and strengths. If you are being considered for the position, you will receive an e-mail from a Mission Pet Health recruiter with a link to complete the assessment at your convenience. Please be sure to check your spam or junk folder - sometimes these messages get filtered out.
Your Impact as a Kennel Assistant
  • Provide Personalized Care: You'll be the primary caregiver for our boarding and daycare pets, ensuring they receive the correct food, exercise, and attention to make their stay comfortable and safe.
  • Be the Eyes and Ears of Animal Health: You'll carefully monitor the behavior and habits of the animals in your care, promptly notifying the medical team of any unusual health concerns.
  • Create a Safe and Healthy Environment: You'll take pride in maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of the entire resort, from the kennel areas and runs to the outside grounds.
  • Ensure Operational Excellence: You'll keep the resort running smoothly by managing inventory for food and cleaning supplies and collaborating with the team to ensure all tasks are completed.
What You'll Bring to the Team
  • A genuine love for animals and a commitment to their welfare.
  • A reliable and hardworking nature, with the ability to manage tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong communication skills, good judgment, and the ability to handle stressful situations with composure.
  • The physical capacity to lift up to 50+ lbs and perform the duties of a physically active role.
  • Previous experience as a kennel assistant is preferred. A flexible schedule, including some weekends and holidays, is required.

Responsibilities and Benefits
How You're Supported
As part of the Mission Pet Health family, you get the stability of a local practice backed by the comprehensive benefits and resources of a larger network. The focus is on investing in you, so you can focus on what you love.
Note: Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you at every stage. Eligibility for specific benefits varies based on your role and hours worked.
Competitive Compensation
A competitive hourly rate or salary based on your experience and role.
Health & Wellbeing
We offer comprehensive coverage options including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, along with access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all teammates.
Financial Security
Plan for your future with our 401k retirement options and additional financial protection benefits like Life Insurance and Disability coverage.
Commitment to Growth
We support your career goals with opportunities for professional development, including educational assistance for qualified teammates to enroll in AVMA-accredited veterinary technician programs.
The Power of a Network
Join a nationwide community of over 20,000 veterinary professionals who share a passion for collaboration, career growth, and sharing best practices.
Valuable Perks
Enjoy discounted veterinary care for your own pets, access to an online discount platform, and free 24/7 access to doctors through Teladoc.
About Mission Pet Health
Mission Pet Health was founded by veterinarians on the belief that local practices thrive with clinical autonomy, collaboration, and medical excellence. The organization provides world-class support to its 850+ hospital teams on a hyper-local basis so they can focus on what matters most: the medicine, their patients, and their team culture. Learn more at missionpethealth.com.
Driving the award-winning culture are the WAG values - Work Together, Amaze, and Grow. Mission Pet Health is veterinarian-led, people-focused, and on a mission to be the best place to work in veterinary medicine. We are proud to be recognized as a 2025 "Most Loved Workplace," ranked #2 in America's Top 100 and #1 in veterinary care.
Reasonable Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation. Please contact benefits@mvetpartners.com with your request and contact information.
EEO Statement: Mission Pet Health is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.